All I Ever Wanted

by Francis Ray

  She got into the Highlander, and the motor started instantly. Backing out of the parking lot, she realized—not for the first time—she had so much to be thankful for. Her life could have taken a much different direction. But she and Kayla were safe, and if all went as planned, they would be homeowners soon. She realized something else—if she kept looking over her shoulder waiting for her ex-husband to show back up, she’d never have the kind of happy life she wanted for them.

  Stopping at the entrance of the parking lot, she put the car in park, picked up her cell phone, and called Fallon. It was past time to take another step.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, Fallon. How is Kayla?”

  “Wonderful as usual,” Fallon reported. “We’re eating pizza and watching the Discovery Channel.”

  “Do you mind keeping her for a bit longer? I want to drop by a friend’s house.”

  “Is it too much to hope that the friend is Mr. Yummy?”

  Naomi didn’t know why she felt like tucking her head. “It’s Catherine.”

  Fallon’s sigh came through loud and clear. “One day you’re going to give me the right answer. In any case, take your time. We saved some pizza for you.”

  “Thanks. I appre—”

  “Stop there or I might think twice about coming over in the morning for coffee and cereal. I’m out of milk and too lazy to get dressed and go to the store and buy any.”

  Naomi often wondered if Fallon, who was as intelligent as they came, really forgot on purpose so she could come over. Naomi knew what it was like to be isolated and lonely. Fallon had family, but they were in another state. Naomi didn’t mind. She liked the company and was grateful Kayla had a wonderful sitter. “I shouldn’t be long. Give Kayla a hug for me. Bye.”

  “You got it. Bye.”

  Hanging up, Naomi punched in Catherine’s number. She refused to live in fear.

  “Hello.”

  “Hello, Catherine. It’s Naomi,” she said, unsure of how to proceed. She always expected Catherine to have all the answers. How could she this time when Naomi wasn’t sure of the questions?

  “Hello, Naomi. How did it go today?” Catherine asked.

  “Fine. I—” Her hand clenched on the cell phone.

  “Naomi, are you all right?” Catherine asked, her voice concerned.

  “Yes. No.” Naomi blew out a frustrated breath. “I just need to talk to you.”

  “Are you at home? I can come right over.”

  No question, just an offer to help. Catherine had been that way since they met when Naomi fainted from hunger and exhaustion in front of her. “I’m just leaving the Women’s League office. Fallon is keeping Kayla. If it’s all right, I’d like to come by there … if you’re in the city.” Luke had a mountain cabin they often stayed in, and when they did, they liked being left alone.

  “We’re in the city. See you soon.”

  “Bye.” Naomi hung up the phone and pulled into traffic.

  Chapter 6

  Less than ten minutes later Naomi pulled up in front of a beautiful ranch-style home in a gated development. Roses and a profusion of flowers snaked around the house. Two elms stood sentinel on either side of the large yard. A block away to the left lived Ruth Grayson. To the right was Morgan and his wife, Phoenix. Naomi didn’t think it was by accident that the two oldest sons lived near their mother.

  Getting out of the car, Naomi went up the curved walkway bordered by liriope and daisies. On the wide porch was a wheelbarrow with dark purple petunias trailing over the side. She rang the doorbell.

  The door opened. She was caught off guard when Luke, tall and imposing with his hair hanging straight down his broad shoulders, answered the door. Unlike the signing when he had greeted them, he wasn’t smiling. Again, she got the impression that somehow she might have unwittingly hurt Catherine’s feelings.

  “Hi, Naomi.”

  “Hi, Luke.”

  “Come on in. Cath is on the phone with her mother.” He stepped back.

  She hesitated, then chastised herself and stepped inside the foyer. When he went to walk away, she touched his arm. She was as surprised as he appeared to be by the instinctive move. She kept her distance from men, but especially those over six feet and broad-shouldered like Luke was.

  “Yes?”

  She could tuck her head as had been her habit at the direct stare or try to repair whatever damage she had inadvertently done to their friendship. “I love Catherine. She’s my best friend. She gave to me and Kayla without us asking because she knew we were in need and I was too afraid and too proud at the time to ask. If I said or did anything yesterday to hurt her, I didn’t mean to. I’ll apologize to her when I see her.”

  “No,” he barked out, then raked his hand through his thick black hair. He seemed unsure of himself. Never in a million years would she have used that word in connection with Luke Grayson. “Forget about apologizing, and don’t mind me.”

  “But you’re upset with me,” Naomi said. “I know that look.”

  He bit back an expletive. “Then I apologize. I’m nothing like your ex-husband.”

  “No, you’re not, and I apologize if you thought that’s what I meant.” She tried again because they both loved Catherine. “I just meant I know when someone is upset with me. Catherine will know as well. She loves you, so it will upset her.”

  “It’s not you,” he said slowly. “But if you love her, forget yesterday and move on. Promise me. Promise me now. She’s coming.”

  “I promise,” Naomi quickly said, not really sure what she was agreeing to or understanding, but the relief in Luke’s face was enough.

  “Hi, Naomi,” Catherine greeted, hugging Naomi, then hooking her arm through hers. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

  “Luke kept me company,” Naomi answered.

  Catherine’s gaze went to her husband. Smiling, he kissed her on the lips. “See, I can be of use.”

  “How well I know.” If the expression on Catherine’s face was any indication, she knew that fact very well.

  He brushed his finger down the bridge of his wife’s nose, then let his attention switch to Naomi. “Bye.”

  “Bye, Luke.”

  He walked off, his moccasined feet soundless on the wooden floor. Catherine’s gaze followed for a long moment before she gave her attention back to Naomi. “There’s lemonade in the kitchen and we can talk.”

  Naomi allowed herself to be led to the spacious kitchen with a barrel ceiling, recessed lighting, and cream-colored marble countertops. “I love your kitchen.”

  “Thanks. I do, too.” Catherine waved Naomi to banquette seating for at least eight people. Clearly, it had been built with the large Grayson family in mind. “Although neither Luke nor I can cook very well. I’m not sure what we’d do if Brandon didn’t take pity on us.”

  Naomi took her seat. “What about Henri?”

  “Bite your tongue.” Catherine laughed and poured Naomi a glass of lemonade with strawberries floating in it. “Brandon is territorial.”

  “Just like some men,” Naomi murmured.

  Catherine finished filling her glass and set the pitcher down. “The difference is, Brandon would never hurt one of us.”

  Naomi’s hands circled the glass. “I don’t want to live in fear. I thought I was doing so well until I read in the newspaper about the woman’s husband beating her unconscious. I felt for her and her children.”

  “It made you remember and realize that life can change in an instant.”

  She might have known Catherine would understand. “Yes. My ex-husband is a cruel man. I can’t forget his saying I was his wife no matter what.”

  “And that’s just what he wanted you to remember,” Catherine said with feeling. “You’re living your life, a good life you’ve made for yourself and Kayla. Don’t beat up on yourself when you have moments you’re not as strong as you want to be. It’s a process. I was scared once.”

  “And Luke helped you.”

  Catherine smiled. �
�Yes. He’s my strength.”

  Naomi had heard Luke say the same thing about Catherine. She had what Naomi had believed she had in her marriage, a man who loved her unconditionally. Instead, he’d abused her, made her weak. For some odd reason, she thought of Richard, a man who helped her, encouraged her.

  Naomi wasn’t sure she was ever the strong woman Catherine was, or ever could be.

  “I don’t want to live in fear, not only for Kayla’s sake, but mine as well.”

  “You’re talking about your fears, admitting them,” Catherine told her. “It helps when you aren’t alone. You’re getting there. You’re going to win this battle.”

  There it was again, the faith and reassurance that had helped her though so many times when she’d doubted herself. “Thank you. I’m glad I have you.”

  “Same here. Is there anything I can do?”

  “Being my friend and confidante is enough,” Naomi said, sipping her drink. “I just wish I knew he was still in San Antonio.”

  “That I can help you with.” Catherine rose from her seat and walked to the door. “Luke, I need you.”

  Naomi almost choked on her drink. She didn’t even have time to shush Catherine before Luke appeared. “Everything okay?”

  “Naomi needs your help.”

  Black piercing eyes turned on her. “For what?”

  If nothing else, Luke was direct. She could do no less … at least with Catherine standing there to encourage her. “Could you please check and see if my ex-husband is still in San Antonio?”

  “Do you have a reason to think he might not be?”

  “No, I just…” How could she explain?

  “I’ll check and let you know.”

  Like Catherine and Richard, he hadn’t demanded an explanation, because she was Catherine’s friend. “Catherine always said I could trust you.”

  “You can.”

  “I know. Thank you.”

  He didn’t move. “If you feel anything is off, call the police.”

  “Then call me and Luke.”

  His arm curved around Catherine’s waist. “Just call me.”

  Catherine made a face, but she didn’t correct Luke. Naomi came to her feet. “If we could set up a payment—”

  “I don’t recall asking for money,” he said.

  “Thank you.” Naomi stood, accepting that friendship counted more than money. “I feel better already.”

  Stepping away from Luke, Catherine took Naomi’s arms. “We’re here for you. Remember that.”

  “I will. Good-bye.”

  “I’ll walk you to the door,” Catherine said.

  Naomi glanced over her shoulder. The harsh expression was gone from Luke’s face. If a strong man like Luke Grayson could be afraid, she didn’t feel so bad that she was afraid at times as well.

  * * *

  Richard pulled up in front of Naomi’s apartment Sunday night and turned off the engine of his truck. He simply stared at her front door. Before Naomi came into his life, he would have sworn that he was up to any challenge, that he’d always prevail once he made up his mind.

  After all, he’d been pushing limits and breaking barriers all his life. No one outside his family and a few teachers expected a child who didn’t walk until he was two and talk until three to graduate valedictorian of his high school class and in the top 3 percent of his graduating class in veterinary medicine at Texas A&M. He’d simply seen no reason to do either with such doting parents. As the boy his father had hoped for, a child his mother had longed for, his every wish had been catered to … until his wise paternal grandmother had put a stop to it. Her Lab, Caesar, had been his first patient when he’d opened his clinic.

  But in school and college he’d been dealing with hard facts, not fragile emotions. Naomi had come a long way in the time he’d known her, but he had to reluctantly admit she had a long way to go. She was less uneasy around men but at times, if she was caught unaware, those big vulnerable eyes would widen and she’d go stark still or shrink back.

  His mouth flattened into a grim line. He wished he had punched her ex in the face when he had the chance. However, as satisfying as that might have been, the police he’d called to help get Naomi and Kayla would have had no choice but to arrest him. In jail, he would have been no help to them.

  Still, those times pierced his heart, more so if it had been him who had frightened her. He wanted her to be as carefree and as happy as Kayla.

  His somber expression morphed into a smile. Precocious, energetic, and smart, Kayla embraced life. He didn’t think Naomi had ever been that lighthearted. His smile vanished at the thought.

  Naomi was a good mother, a good friend. She deserved love and was so afraid to reach out and take what was in front of her … because she had tried once and reaped horrible consequences.

  She would, though. He’d promised himself that long ago. For now, he had to be satisfied with just helping her realize that she wasn’t alone. He was there and so were others. She just had to open her eyes.

  Opening the door, he got out of the truck. He was bone-tired from dealing with a herd of calves that had to be vaccinated. However, he hadn’t been able to keep going when he neared the exit for Naomi’s apartment.

  This was as big a day for her as Kayla’s had been yesterday. He hoped it was another indication that she was capable and smart. He’d wanted to call a dozen times but he recognized that it was important for her to know they trusted her, that they weren’t checking up on her.

  He knocked on the door, well aware that her face showed her every emotion. The moment he saw her, he’d know how the day had gone.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the curtain at the window move. Moments later, he heard the double locks he’d personally installed, disengage. He wasn’t aware of the tension coiled within him until he saw her shy smile.

  “Hi, Richard,” she greeted, opening the door wider and stepping back.

  “Hi, Naomi. Hope it’s not too late to stop by.”

  “Kayla’s bedtime might be at eight, but I stay up a little later,” she said, closing the door after him.

  Richard grinned. She seldom teased. It was another indicator that her volunteering stint had gone well. He took a seat on the end of the sofa. He’d learned not to crowd her. “How long did it take tonight to get her to stay put?”

  “Since she was anxious to see her classmates and talk about The Guardian, she only got up once to tell me something she’d forgotten and get a drink of water.” Smiling indulgently, Naomi took a seat in the middle of the sofa.

  Richard liked being with Kayla, but he was beginning to realize that she was a buffer at times. He and Naomi needed to be alone. “If their response Saturday was any indication, she is going to be the talk of her school.”

  “Catherine did that for her.” Her smile dimmed. “She’s done so much for us. I’d never do anything to hurt her.”

  Richard frowned, almost reaching out to pull her into his arms. “Of course not. What made you say that?”

  Her eyes widened. “No-nothing.”

  She wasn’t telling the truth, but if there was something going on with Catherine, Luke would move heaven and earth to fix it, just as he once had, just as Richard would do for Naomi. “You thought any more about the house?”

  Her smile blossomed, and Richard wondered if she had any idea how pretty she was when she smiled. “You were right again. Sierra came by the Women’s League with donations today and I asked her for a Realtor’s name. She quickly set me straight and agreed to help me.” Naomi shook her head. “She’s as formidable as her mother.”

  Richard heard the longing with tinges of envy in her voice. “She grew up with a family who didn’t believe in any other way.”

  “And they all married people who are just as uncompromising,” Naomi said softly. “They’d never let…” Her voice trailed off; her hands clenched in her lap.

  “It’s what they learned, just as Kayla is learning to be warm and loving because that’s what y
ou taught her,” he said. “She’s smart and determined, and already showing her independence. I know she says she wants to be a vet, but I haven’t a doubt that she’ll succeed in whatever she decides. You’re the one stable factor in her life.”

  Her head came up. “And you.”

  Finally, he was getting someplace. “It’s easy to love her.” The words were barely out of his mouth before he realized that included the mother. This time he was the one to look away. She’d slam the door on their friendship if she had any inkling he wanted more. He’d made that mistake when they first met. Never again.

  “Would you like something to drink or a cookie?” She smiled. “Kayla and Fallon stopped at the bakery on the way back from sightseeing. She’s really been a help. I’ll hate to see her leave.”

  “She’s leaving?” Lance wasn’t going to like that.

  Naomi slowly nodded, apparently not pleased, either. “In five weeks—when school is out, she’s leaving. She travels a lot. She loves it, but I want to plant roots in one place.”

  He was glad the place she’d chosen was Santa Fe. “For you and Kayla.”

  Longing entered her dark eyes. “I had a few anxious moments at first when Sierra mentioned some of the homeowner’s responsibilities that I didn’t have to worry about while renting, but I think having our own place outweighs those possibilities. Plus she said it would be inspected first.”

  “And don’t forget I want to take a look as well.”

  “I didn’t.” She tucked her head for a moment. “Sierra already guessed that you want to help. You’re a good friend.”

  He worked hard to keep the pleasant smile on his face, and not grit his teeth. “And I always will be.”

  Her face grew serious. “I haven’t mentioned it to Kayla yet, in case Sierra doesn’t find anything I can afford.”

  “With the housing market the way it is, and Sierra for a Realtor, I don’t think finding a home will be a problem,” he told her. “It might be a good idea to consider a house that needs a little work to get a better price. I’m pretty good with a hammer.”